The George Black tripod floor lamp is a striking reinterpretation of a design classic, elevated by the addition of black wooden legs that give it a bold, contemporary presence. This exclusive model embodies the evolution of GRAU’s design philosophy, which for 37 years has been defined by sculptural forms, refined surfaces, and innovative approaches to light. With George Black, these elements are brought together in a lamp that combines timeless elegance with a distinctly modern look, allowing it to harmonize effortlessly with a wide variety of interiors.
Originally conceived as a floor lamp with a tripod base and spotlight head, George was created as an exploration of contrasts. Its design blends familiarity with freshness, evoking a sense of both the past and the present. The form itself draws on associations: a touch of English restraint meant to “slow down the modern,” combined with an architectural quality reminiscent of the dome of Florence Cathedral. This interplay of references gave George its unique sculptural identity. According to Tobias Grau, the lamp’s creation was not the result of a conventional process but rather a natural evolution of ideas, which is why it became his first truly modern luminaire.
The George design has now been reissued as a Heritage Edition, highlighting its enduring significance in the GRAU portfolio. For the first time, it is available in two sizes—Large and Medium. The new Medium format makes George especially versatile, ideal for use as a sculptural reading lamp placed beside sofas or armchairs. In both versions, the lamp’s expressive presence transforms spaces, making it not just a functional object but a centerpiece of interior design.
Materiality has always been central to George’s appeal. Tobias Grau originally paired a high-gloss lamp head with zinc details and oak legs, creating a distinctive tension between contrasting finishes. This combination gave the lamp its balance, unity, and instantly recognizable character. In the George Black edition, the reinterpretation of these materials provides a modern update: the dark wooden legs establish a dialogue with the dark lamp head, adding depth while preserving the essence of the original design. The tripod structure retains its sculptural lightness, ensuring that the lamp continues to feel innovative and expressive, even decades after its introduction.
The lighting experience itself is equally distinctive. When unlit, the head appears black, resembling the cap of a fountain pen. Once switched on, it glows from within, radiating a vivid red that feels both dramatic and intimate. This transformation has remained unique since the lamp’s debut, imbuing George with a sense of life and character. In the George Black edition, this effect is further emphasized, as the interplay between the dark legs and the glowing red head enhances the lamp’s presence in a space.
Although George’s success was not immediate, its unconventional form and material choices eventually secured its place as an iconic design. What once seemed unusual became the very qualities that made it celebrated. Today, George Black continues this legacy, bridging heritage and modernity while celebrating GRAU’s commitment to design innovation. Beautiful, familiar, and new all at once, it is a testament to how thoughtful design endures and evolves across generations.
https://www.grau.art/en/products/george-black
